Cycle and walking route to combat Knocknacarra trouble spot

Galway City Council’s plans to upgrade Millars Lane through the creation of an off-road cycling and walkway could address some of the issues with anti-social behaviour in the area, according to a local councillor.

The Council has revealed plans to install public lighting along the route; install a variety of wildflower gardens; and improve the walking and cycling surface along the lane using funding secured from the Government’s Active Travel scheme.

Local councillor, Donal Lyons, said he was ‘fully behind’ the proposal, which also seeks to support biodiversity in what is an ecologically sensitive area.

Cllr Lyons said the works were a terrific opportunity for Knocknacarra to have a walkway of a similar standard to that on the ‘back Prom’ in Salthill, and an amenity he said would benefit people of all ages.

He said residents were provided with an information brochure as part of the consultation process and while some concerns had been raised, he believed this was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed.

“This is to be done using funding from Active Travel – heretofore, there was no funding available to do works like this. Last year, the City Council cleared the undergrowth that was on the lane and this is the next step of the process.

“The surface is uneven at the moment and by carrying out these works, it will be suitable for people for all ages to use for walking – we saw last year when people were cocooning how important having an amenity like that locally was,” said the Independent councillor.

One issue that had been flagged by residents living adjacent to the route was that of anti-social behaviour. Cllr Lyons said they had particular concern about the installation of benches that they believed could lead to loitering.

“I believe that when you put in lighting, these people won’t congregate. Those who carry out anti-social behaviour don’t want to be seen. I think there would also be an increase in footfall which would also reduce levels of anti-social behaviour.

“There is no simple solution to anti-social behaviour but we can’t always be holding out because of the possibility that it might happen. This will allow people to walk safely in the area at night and create an amenity that can be used by the community all year long,” said Cllr Lyons.

The proposal also includes for the installation of a new pedestrian crossing at Gort na Bró.